One of our residents and a team of staff were given national recognition when they were shortlisted for two national awards within the affordable housing sector.
We were delighted to have been shortlisted for two awards in the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards .
Our community investment team was one of just six departments in the running for the ‘Ground Breaking Team’ category. This recognises their extensive work in regeneration and community involvement activities across the city. The team’s achievements include working with residents and partner agencies to deliver the Summerfield and South Lozells eco projects, as well as organising successful training and employment schemes for residents. The team also co-ordinates our involvement framework, Customer 1st.
Our longest standing tenant board member Ernon Campbell, who lives in Summerfield, also joined a shortlist of six people in the ‘Inspirational Board Member’ category for his outstanding contribution on the Board and for ensuring that customers are placed at the heart of the association’s work.
These entries were shortlisted from more than 300 submitted from across the country.
The awards are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing – the affordable housing sector’s professional body which represents people who work in housing, and by Inside Housing magazine.
Ernon has recently become a Tenant Inspector Assessor for the Audit Commission, which means he will inspect other housing associations, local authority housing management services, homelessness and housing advice inspections and Supporting People inspections alongside Audit Commission inspectors.
Ernon said: “I was delighted to be shortlisted for the Housing Heroes Awards. It was a great pleasure to have the work I do with Family Housing recognised at such a high level.
“Tenants can bring a valuable contribution to housing organisations as they have experience of receiving services and have a good understanding of the customer experience. I am looking forward to being involved with the Audit Commission, and continuing my work with Family Housing, to use my experiences as a tenant to help improve services for others.”